A new gas fireplace or gas fireplace insert from a reputable installation company costs upwards of $6,000 fully installed.
What is the total average cost of a new gas fireplace installation?
Expect to spend more than $6,000 on a quality gas fireplace or gas fireplace insert installation these days.
Gas fireplace upgrade projects (pre-fab gas fireplaces) can get expensive depending on the finishing work and surrounding design decisions. Gas fireplace upgrade projects have a wide range of $7,200 – $16,200.
Gas fireplace inserts installed to upgrade your masonry fireplace’s efficiency on average cost $6,400, typically no more than $8,400.
At this point, most folks are not quite sure if they need a gas fireplace or a gas fireplace insert. In short, if you have a hole in a standard wall (dry wall with framing) you need a new gas fireplace. If you have a brick fireplace and chimney all the way up with not wood or fake brick in the chimney, you have a masonry fireplace and need a gas fireplace insert.
Gas Fireplaces: A Beginner’s Hearth Education
In order best help you stay warm and save money, first you need some info.
Welcome to the intro course on getting a new gas fireplace or gas fireplace insert. We need more informed fireplace users in the world. You have an opportunity to be among the few homeowners who really understand your heating options.
Good luck in your home heating journey. The Stove Shop is here to help if you have any questions!
Why Should You Upgrade Your Existing Fireplace?
Heat Where You Live with a Gas Fireplace
Gas fireplaces create instant heat where you live. Getting a new gas fireplace or gas fireplace insert a significant home renovation project. Usually only once or twice in a lifetime. It is a significant time investment to choose the ideal gas fireplace for your home, spec your space and actually get a new gas fireplace installation. The other major investment is the cost of a new gas fireplace installation.
Many people choose to ignore the potential of a gas fireplace because of the initial cost. Long term, we find that most folks end up saving money and fully enjoying their favorite living space during the fall and winter. Fireplaces add life to your home. The heat and beauty of a live flame brings life to your home. Gas fireplaces make the benefits of fire easily accessible with the touch of a button.
What is the average total cost of a gas fireplace insert installation?
On average between $7,200 – $8,800.
This average price includes the gas fireplace insert unit, decorative front, metal surround, venting, install labor, electric labor, gas labor and chimney labor. A direct vent gas fireplace tends to cost a little bit more than a gas fireplace insert in a masonry chimney because of the additional labor and finishing work required.
Expect to spend $7,200 on a quality gas fireplace insert installation.
Gas fireplace inserts are installed into a masonry fireplace. Real brick with no combustibles or wood framing nearby. Gas fireplace inserts have two three inch liners, one for the exhaust and one for the fresh air running up to the top of your chimney ending in a cap that seals off the chimney from critters and the weather.
Gas fireplace inserts require a gas line and access to electricity, often installed inside of the firebox. People buying a gas fireplace insert want efficient heat in their inefficient masonry fireplace.
What is the total average cost of a new gas fireplace installation?
Direct Vent Pre-fab Gas Fireplaces cost on average $7,200 – $16,200, depending on the scope of the project.
Prefabricated gas fireplaces do not require a masonry chimney and can be installed in a blank wall. You can even upgrade your cold, inefficient gas fireplace that came with your home! (Wondering how to determine if you have a gas fireplace? The telltale sign of a gas fireplace usually a silver cap directly behind the existing gas fireplace with a warmer, more efficient gas fireplace.)
Pre-fab direct vent gas fireplaces (aka gas fireplaces) are easy to confuse with gas fireplace inserts. Gas fireplaces and gas fireplace inserts are two separate products that solve two different solutions. Gas fireplaces can replace an existing gas fireplace or be a new installation on a blank wall. The venting is a metal box on the outside of your home.
What is the difference between gas logs, gas fireplaces, gas fireplace inserts?
Both gas fireplaces and gas fireplace inserts have sealed glass that you can’t open without tools and a mesh screen for protection. If you want to have a gas fire without any glass, you are interested in gas logs. Gas logs comes in many shapes and sizes. Gas logs are used to fill a wood burning fireplace with consistent flame.
>> How to upgrade your fireplace? Learn more about gas logs, gas fireplace, gas inserts and more!
Still not sure if you need gas logs, gas fireplace or a gas fireplace insert? Gas fireplaces only have the unit and the front. No surround is required since gas fireplaces are built into the wall and meet up with the exterior to vent. Unlike gas fireplace inserts, gas fireplaces do not require a metal surround to fit perfectly into the space.
Once you know what you want to purchase, we need to determine your access to utilities and if you will use propane or natural gas.
What do I need to know before getting a new gas fireplace installation? | Three Steps to a New Fireplace
#1 What are your gas fireplace project goals? Then make a budget.
Average Cost Fully Installed | Gas Fireplace Insert: $7,200 – $8,880
Pros (Gas Fireplace Insert)
- Combustion, smoke and fire behind glass.
- No odor.
- No known health risks.
- Safe to use with pets & kids.
- No sooting or ash.
- Produces net positive heat.
- Service is available from quality fireplace and stove service providers.
Cons (Gas Fireplace Insert)
- Requires ventilation access.
- Higher installation cost than gas logs or doing nothing.
- Can not touch fire.
- Can not hear the crackle of fire.
Why buy a gas fireplace insert?
Gas fireplace inserts work for homes with a masonry fireplace. If you want heat in addition to ambiance, a gas fireplace insert is the best option. Gas fireplace inserts work with natural gas and propane. Usually folks who most benefit from their gas fireplace insert are people who want to come home and take the chill off without waiting around for a wood fire to get hot.
Gas Fireplace Insert Buying Tip: We and most fireplace experts recommend vented hearth appliances like a direct vent gas fireplace insert as opposed to vent free gas logs.
Want to buy a new gas fireplace insert?
What is the most popular gas fireplace insert right now?
Average Cost Fully Installed | Gas Fireplace: $7,200 – $16,200
What does it cost to get a new gas fireplace installed in my home? Taking out an old pre-fabricated gas fireplace and replacing it with a new gas fireplace costs all in on average $8,200 – $16,200. The large difference in price is due to project scope and could include mantel, finish, electrical, gas line, unit, venting and labor.
Pros:
- Energy Efficiency – Direct vent gas fireplaces are highly energy-efficient as they draw in outside air for combustion, reducing the amount of indoor heated air lost up the chimney.
- Elegant Design – Creates a sleek, integrated look in walls, ideal for new constructions or significant remodels.
Cons:
- Construction – Requires wall construction or remodeling, which can increase installation costs.
- Glass Barrier Requirement – The sealed glass front is necessary for safety, but it reduces the natural ambiance of an open flame, which some users may miss.
Gas Fireplace Buying Tip: Gas fireplaces are installed into a blank wall or can replace existing prefabricated gas fireplaces installed when you purchased your home. Many homes in the United States have a “builder grade” pre-fabricated gas fireplace. Builder grade means that the gas fireplace is usually a base model that likely doesn’t produce much heat. Builder grade gas fireplaces older than 15-20 years are a home upgrade opportunity. >>
Learn more: Is a Gas Fireplace Lifespan Really 15 to 20 Years on Average? & Our Favorite Gas Fireplaces for Custom Homes & Builders
Gas Logs | Vented & Vent Free
What does an open set of gas logs cost?
The average cost for vented gas logs, including installation, ranges from $400 to $3,800. This depends on the size, brand, and any additional work needed for the installation. While they’re more affordable than gas inserts or direct vent fireplaces, they’re designed primarily for ambiance, not heating.
Average Cost Fully Installed | Vented Gas Logs: $400 – $3,800
Vented gas logs are a great option if you want the ambiance of a traditional wood-burning fireplace with the convenience of gas. They require an open flue or chimney to vent combustion gases safely, giving you the look and feel of a real wood fire.
Pros:
- Beautiful Flame: The flame pattern of vented gas logs is as close as you can get to a natural wood fire, making them a great choice for aesthetics.
- Less Mess Than Wood or Pellet: While not the most efficient option, vented logs eliminate the mess of ash and creosote, as well as the hassle of storing wood.
- Open Flame Experience: With no glass barrier, you can enjoy the open flame just like you would with a traditional fireplace.
- Budget-Friendly: Vented gas logs tend to be less expensive upfront than gas fireplace inserts or direct vent fireplaces.
Cons:
- Less Heat: Most of the heat from vented gas logs escapes up the chimney, so they’re not ideal if you’re looking for efficient heating.
- Higher Gas Use: Because of the heat loss, vented logs burn more gas without providing much warmth to the room.
- Maintenance Required: An open flue means you’ll need to maintain your chimney regularly to ensure it’s safe and functional. (Dust, pet hair and other debris can easily enter gas logs.)
Average Cost Fully Installed | Vent Free Gas Logs: $400 – $2800
Pros:
- Does not require venting installation.
- Lower installation and product cost.
- Widely available at Home Depot, Lowes & online.
- Produces heat with an attractive open flame.
Cons:
- Difficult to repair.
- Hard to find reputable service.
- Gas odor in home. Health risks.
- No ventilation for combustion.
- Potential for soot on walls and ceiling.
- Moisture & humidity buildup. Burns pet hair, dust and dirt.
Vented vs Unvented Gas Logs: What’s the Difference?
As s rule of thumb, if you have a fireplace that is rated to burn wood, you can generally burn gas logs. Vented gas logs are typically installed in a masonry fireplace or a prefabricated wood fireplace. Many “builder grade” wood pre-fab fireplaces have gas logs with a gas line going through the back of the wood fireplace. Vented gas logs in a pre-fab wood fireplace is a very common installation type.
Why are gas logs going out of style for many homeowners? Vented gas logs do not provide the savings we value in other products as most of the heat goes up the chimney. This is a waste of fuel and heat. Gas logs in general do not fulfill the “stay warm, save money” mission. With that being said, vented gas logs have a beautiful flame and do of course give heat if you stand close enough. Fire is always hot!
Are unvented gas logs dangerous/ unhealthy? We do not sell vented or unvented gas logs at The Stove Shop. Unvented gas logs are going out of fashion in these days, at least here in Pennsylvania. Unvented gas logs give off an order and have many health/safety concerns. Most fireplace shops will not sell or service unvented gas log sets because of the risks and potential sooting damage to the home.
Now that you know what fireplace you want to install, will you fuel it with natural gas or propane?
#2 Do you have natural gas access? If not, you will need to get a propane tank.
In order to install a gas fireplace or gas fireplace insert you need access to fuel. Gas fireplaces utilize either natural gas or propane (LP) gas.
Natural Gas (NG)
If you have natural gas you are in luck, that is a huge asset for your home, congrats! Natural gas is one of the most affordable heating fuel sources in North America. If you do not have natural gas, then you will need to install a new propane tank. The cost of installing a new propane tank can be pretty affordable as long as you buy enough propane each year. (You will need to refill often if you are using your gas fireplace frequently at high temperatures.)
Natural gas is on average, the most efficient fuel source available to most of the United States. The cost to gain access to natural gas is often not worth the expense if you do not have a line near your home.
PECO and other providers have a map available with where the natural gas line runs. If you can not get access to natural gas, your other option is propane (LP) gas. We recommend, finding out if you have natural gas access near you by searching “natural gas available at my address?”
Propane (LP)
Propane (LP) gas is a great option for home heating, if you live in a more remote location without availability to natural gas. (We most often see folks with a minimum of a 250lb propane tank for home heating.) Gas fireplaces burn about 1 gallon of propane per 2.2 hours. Learn more in our Fireplace Fuel Cost Guide (Wood, Gas, Pellet & more). Propane tanks come in all shapes and sizes.
Propane fireplace home heating tip: If you only have a 120 gallon tank be prepared to get your propane refilled frequently during the season. Schedule proactive refuels in the fall and winter to avoid running out of fuel.
>> Learn more: What Does Fireplace Propane Tank Installation Cost?
Now, you know if you have propane or natural gas. What’s next?
Run a gas line to the fireplace once you have your fuel source setup.
Running a new gas line can be expensive. If you already have a gas line to your masonry fireplace, this is an asset for your home. It is a fascinating science, at definitely takes some time to plan correctly for longer runs. When gas line is run correctly, all of your gas appliances must have equal access to gas pressure. Running a long gas line could potentially be one of the most expensive parts of your gas fireplace project.
Average cost of running a new gas line to a fireplace is $600 – $2,000, depending on what is required. (Finished basements, crawl spaces and stone foundations often make running gas line much more difficult.)
After the gas line is in place, you need to run electricity to the fireplace location.
Electricity is necessary for your gas fireplace or gas fireplace insert to operate efficiently. After the gas line, we need to get electric installed in the location of your gas fireplace. Electricity enables your fireplace to turn on and run its fan. Electricity run to a fireplace costs $400 – $800, but is highly dependent on access.
Clearances and access are everything in the world of fireplace installation planning.
We need access to your existing gas lines and electric lines in order to hook in the fireplace and all related utilities. Unfinished basements, ash dumps, crawl spaces and the like make our jobs just a little bit easier. It is highly beneficial to already have a gas line running to your masonry fireplace.
Easy access is an asset for every homeowner. Take advantage of it if you have it! Fireplace installation labor costs are much less time consuming if you already have gas and electric running to the job site.
#3 How long does it take to install a gas fireplace or gas fireplace insert?
Gas fireplaces oftentimes take less than one day to fully install in the final phase. During the winter, you can end up waiting for a quality installation outfit to be available. Preparing your project space for installation is a fantastic way to save time and money.
Fireplace projects are more than one step, consisting of multiple phases over a few weeks. (If you need gas or electric run to the space, these will oftentimes be a separate trade partner visiting the home before the final installation.) A gas fireplace or gas fireplace insert is a moderate time investment made easier by a competent and certified fireplace installation company.
The steps to install a new gas fireplace include:
- Visiting a showroom
- Picking a product
- Getting a quote
- Getting an in-home estimate
- Paying a deposit
- Getting scheduled for install
- Receiving an installation
Average Gas Fireplace or Gas Fireplace Insert Installation Cost in 2026:
$7,200 – $8,800
“Why do YOU care about my fireplace?”
At the end of the day, The Stove Shop is a family-owned business that can only install a limited number of gas fireplaces stoves every year. If you are reading this in New York, California or Minnesota, we want you to buy a quality fireplace product because we want you to love hearth products like fireplaces and stoves.
People are losing the ability to choose if their home even has a fireplace anymore. Home builders are not including gas fireplaces, hearths or masonry chimneys in their new homes nearly as often to save money. This removes an important asset for many future homeowners and diminishes the value of the fireplace in the American home.
At The Stove Shop, we believe if you have a wonderful experience with your fireplace, then you will come to love the heat and choice available to your family. Fireplaces are a decision that we want families to make for themselves. If you buy a low quality pellet stove from a big box store, it will only further the story for your family that stoves and fireplaces are just a thing of the past. We believe the freedom afforded by having individual heating fuel choice is worth taking the time to make this information available without any advertisements or distractions. It will be a cold world if a majority of American homes are limping along with electric heat as their only option.
Fireplaces are a cornerstone of comfort, independence and choice. Make a decision your family will cherish for generations.
Begin with the end in mind for your fireplace project
At the end of the day, the average cost of a new gas fireplace or gas fireplace insert is at least $6,800 all in. If you plan on replacing your gas fireplace, it might cost more depending on project scope. At the end of the day, fireplaces can absolutely help provide meaningful heat in your home. If your fireplace is not creating impactful warmth, please consider replacing your existing fireplace.
Direct warmth is an investment in how you heat your home. If you only have electric heat with no other sources of warmth, the peace of mind created through a high quality fireplace is life changing. We can’t wait to continue sharing our passion for fireplaces with you as we continue to grow and improve!
At The Stove Shop in Phoenixville, PA we have a fireplace showroom filled with burning gas fireplaces and gas fireplace inserts for you to enjoy. (You can even check out our fireplace showroom virtually!) Please reach out if you have any questions. We are honored to help you stay warm and save money.
The Stove Shop – family owned, locally operated
The Stove Shop Fireplace Experts is located at 20 E. Pothouse Road Phoenixville, PA 19460. Our mission since 1977 has been to help our customers stay warm and save money by helping you heat where you live. Thank you for taking the time to read this article, it was written with love by a real human named Patrick Ryan owner of The Stove Shop Fireplace Experts in Phoenixville, PA who is grateful for the opportunity to serve you.
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